Crew Learning Expedition: Students have gotten to feel like scientists with hands-on learning about rocks. First we had students decide how they would sort rocks (by color, texture, weight, size, etc.) and then we introduced how scientists classify rocks: metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous. Today students began researching one of these types to become an expert. | Writing: As part of our testing preparations, we have been working on writing paragraphs and writing to a prompt. Students were able to easily identify the parts of a paragraph (topic sentence, details, and concluding sentence). They are showing growth in just the small time we have worked on this of writing a good paragraph from a prompt. |
Math: Today we finished our math unit on geometry which assessed learning on angles and 2D & 3D figures. Next unit: Multiplication! HINTS AT HOME: Continue studying multiplication/division facts at home. There are tons of great internet/ipad/cell phone games/resources that make practicing these fun. | Language/Reading Workshop: Since formal standardized testing is not something that is familiar to third graders, we are taking some time to do a testing-taking genre study. We have been talking about the upcoming TCAP test, looking at samples of what it will look like, doing practices, and discussing strategies. This will help remove any anxiety for taking the state assessment, and allow them to show their great critical thinking skills! HINTS AT HOME: What do you know about yourself as a test-taker? What strategies do you use when you take a test? |
Winter Festival: Hope to see you this Saturday from 4-7 for our "Under the Sea" theme festival. Tickets will be available at the door if you have not yet purchased them. (This is not a fundraiser... It is a fun event put on by our parent community.) The Denver Aquarium will present Sensational Sharks and will have hands-on sea fun with their Traveling Sea, games, crafts and more.
Spelling: Here is the spelling list for this week.
Winter Voyage Paperwork:
Please turn in if you haven't already. Thanks!
Save the Date:
Third grades will be taking the state standardized testing "TCAP (Transitional Colorado Assessment Program" for the first time this year. The Reading Assessment will be given February 13 and 15th. The Writing and Math Assessment will be given March 5th-9th.
*Please do your best to have students attend these days!
Valentine's Day Party: We will be having a Vday Party on 2/14 from 9-9:55. Marianne will be coordinating breakfast foods, fruit, and juice. Stay tuned for her email!
Please have students decorate a shoebox, bag, or a container that can be brought to school on this day. There will be no time during school to decorate it.
In previous years, I have found that these celebrations are more meaningful when Valentines are thoughtful. I encourage home-made Valentines, and but store-bought Valentines can be personalized and work too. Please have students make enough Valentines for all of our crew (25). Here is a list of names: Anthony, Blayne, Camille, Dagan, Dylan, Ethan, Gillian, Hal, Haven, Ian, Isabella, Joshua, Keegan, Leah, Madelyn, Nikki, Marissa, Mason, Max, Nicole, Olivia, Shelby, Tayler, Tessa, & Vinnie.
Jan 28: REMS Winter Festival
Feb 13 & 15: Reading TCAP Assessment
Feb 14: Valentine's Day Party
Feb 16: Fieldwork at Garden of the Gods
Feb 29-Mar 1: Winter Voyage
Feb 29-Mar 1: Winter Voyage
Mar 5-9: Writing & Math Assessment
Our Crew as Scientists...        |
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